System and methodology for wind compression

ABSTRACT

A wind compressor system having one or more wind turbines and a plurality of wind compressors located proximate the one or more wind turbines. The wind compressors optimize the energy created by the wind turbines by redirecting and converging the wind from the wind compressor to the wind turbines. Each of the wind compressors comprises an obstruction having a size and shape adapted to converge the wind currents by means of a Venturi effect toward the one or more turbines thereby increasing the velocity and force of the wind hitting the wind turbine. A plurality of transporters coupled to the wind compressors. The transporters configured to move at least one wind compressors to a location that maximizes the force of the wind encountered by the turbine.

RELATED PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/107,951, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/607,167, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,425, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/215,232, abandoned,and is co-pending with U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/854,736,which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/215,233,now U.S. Pat. No. 8,513,826, the disclosures of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of invention relates to a system for channeling wind to one ormore wind turbines in order to increase the productivity of the windturbines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it intomechanical or electric power. Traditional wind turbines have ahorizontal spinning axis that allowed blades of the wind turbine torotate around the axis. As wind engages the blades, the blades movearound the horizontal spinning axis of the wind turbine. The relativerotation of the blades to the horizontal axis may then be converted intoenergy.

Wind turbines only capture wind that engages the blades. Thus, only thewind directly passing in line with the wind turbine is converted intoenergy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the method of this invention, the force of wind acting on a windturbine is increased thereby increasing the resulting energy output ofthe wind turbine. This method is achieved by positioning one or morewind compressors proximate a first side of a wind turbine and one ormore wind compressors proximate the second side of the wind turbine,where the second side is distal from the first side. The windcompressors comprise an obstruction configured to redirect a wind flowfrom each of the wind compressors toward the wind turbine. The one ormore wind compressors should be arranged proximate to the wind turbinein a configuration that creates a Venturi effect on the wind flow aimedat the wind compressors so that the redirected wind flows convergetoward the wind turbine at an increased velocity and force.

The wind directing system of this invention comprises one or more windcompressors which are proximate to a first side of the wind turbine andone or more wind compressors which are proximate a second side of thewind turbine. The second side is distal from the first side. Each of thewind turbines of this invention comprise an obstruction which isconfigured to redirect wind flow from each of the wind compressorstoward the wind turbines so that the converged wind flow creates aVenturi effect. The redirected wind flow has an increased velocity andforce. The system also comprises a plurality of transporters with one ormore wind compressors coupled to at least one transporter. Thetransporters are configured to move at least one wind compressor to alocation that maximizes the force of the wind encountered by the windcompressor and directed by the wind compressor to the wind turbine.

In one embodiment, the wind compressor system for directing wind towardone or more wind turbines of this invention comprises one or moreriggings with a sail coupled to each one which is configured to engageand redirect the wind so that the wind converges toward the one or morewind turbines in a Venturi effect. A transporter is also coupled to theriggings and is configured to maintain a first location of the sailwhile the sail redirects wind toward the one or more wind turbines. Thesystem also comprises a controller which is configured to move thetransporter to a second location in response to a change in the winddirection.

This invention also entails a wind powered generator system forgenerating electrical power from wind power which comprises a verticalturbine rotor, a vertical turbine support, and one or more bladescoupled to the turbine rotor which are configured to move the turbinerotor relative to the turbine support. One or magnet sets are locatedbetween the turbine support and the turbine rotor. There is also a spacebetween a portion of the turbine rotor and the turbine support, wherethe space is created by the magnetic force from the one or more magnetsets. One or more generators are configured to generate electric powerfrom the rotating movement of the turbine rotor. The one or more windcompressors are proximate to a first side of the turbine support and oneor more compressors are also proximate to a second side of the turbinesupport, where the second side is distal from the first side. Each ofthe wind compressors have an obstruction which is configured to redirectwind flow from each of the wind compressors toward the turbine rotors sothat the converged wind flow from the wind compressors creates a Venturieffect. The converged wind flow results in an increased velocity andwind force on the turbine rotors.

The method of this invention for generating electricity comprisesattaching a set of dipolar magnets to a turbine rotor and a turbinesupport. In one aspect, the magnets are located between the turbinerotor and the turbine support, creating an opposing magnetic force thatreduces friction and creates a space between the turbine rotor and theturbine support. As one or more blades engage with wind, the verticalturbine rotor is rotated relative to the turbein support. A generatorconverts the mechanical energy of the moving vertical turbine intoelectric power. One or more wind compressors are proximate to a firstside of a turbine support and to a second side of the turbine supportwhere the second side is distal from the first side. The windcompressors comprise an obstruction configured to redirect wind flowfrom each of the wind compressors towards the turbine rotor. The windcompressors proximate to the turbine support create a Venturi effect onthe wind flow aimed at the wind compressors so that the redirected windflow converges toward the turbine rotor at an increased velocity andforce. The mechanical energy of the moving turbine rotor is convertedinto electric power by the use of a generator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying DRAWINGS, where like reference numerals designate likestructural and other elements, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wind turbine accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of a wind turbine according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wind turbine accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a wind turbine according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a wind turbine with wind compressorsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of wind turbines with wind compressorsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a wind compressor according to one embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of a wind compressor according to one embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is presented to enable any personskilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes ofexplanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that these specific details are not required topractice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications areprovided only as representative examples. Various modifications to thepreferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in theart, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from the scope of theinvention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A is a schematic cross sectional view of a wind turbine 100,according to one embodiment. The wind turbine 100, as shown, is avertical axis wind turbine. Therefore, a core axis 102 of the windturbine 100 is substantially in a vertical plane relative to the Earth.The wind turbine 100 may have a turbine rotor 104 and a turbine support106 within and concentric to the turbine rotor 104. The turbine rotor104 rotates around the core axis 102 of the turbine support 106 inresponse to wind engaging one or more blades 108, shown schematically.The kinetic energy from the wind is captured by the blades 108 therebyrotating the turbine rotor 104. The turbine core support 106 may remainstationary as the turbine rotor 104 rotates around the axis 102. Inorder to reduce the effects of friction between the rotating turbinerotor 104 and the turbine support 106, one or more sets of magnets 110are used to reduce the weight force of the turbine rotor 104 acting onthe turbine support 106. A generator 112 may be located proximate thewind turbine 100 in order to convert the mechanical energy of therotating turbine rotor 104 into electric power.

The turbine rotor 104, as shown in FIG. 1A, comprises a central axis 113that is substantially centered around the axis 102. The turbine rotor104, may include a top 114 and a bottom 116 extending out from thecentral axis 113. As shown, the central axis 113 supports the top 114and the bottom 116. The top 114 and/or the bottom 116, as shown, extendsradially away from the central axis 113. In FIG. 1B a top view of thewind turbine 100 is shown. The top view shows the top 114 extending afirst radius R1 away from the axis 102. The bottom 116 may extend thesame distance as the top 114 from the axis 102; however, it should beappreciated that the distance the top 114 and bottom 116 extend from theaxis 102 may vary depending on design conditions. The top 114, as shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B, extends over the top of a support shaft 118 of theturbine support 106; however, it should be appreciated that othersuitable configurations for the top 114 may be used.

The turbine rotor 104 may have alternative designs to the one shown inFIG. 1. For example, the turbine rotor 104 may not cover the top of thesupport shaft 118, as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the turbine rotor 104may simply include the top 114 and the bottom 116 and be held togetherby the blades 108. Further still, the top 114 and/or the bottom 116 maynot be shaped in a circular pattern, but instead may extend as supportsover each of the blades 108 in an effort to save money on materials andreduce the weight of the turbine rotor 104. The turbine rotor 104 mayhave any suitable design capable of supporting the blades 108 androtating around the axis 102.

The bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104 may include one or more of themagnets 110. The one or more magnets 110 located in the bottom 116 ofthe turbine rotor 104 provide an opposing force against one or moremagnets 110 located on the turbine support 106. The opposing forcecreated by the one or more magnets 110 reduces the weight load of theturbine rotor 104 on the turbine support 106, as will be discussed inmore detail below.

The turbine support 106 may be any suitable shape capable of supportingthe weight of the turbine rotor 104 and stabilizing the turbine rotor104 as it rotates about the axis 102. The turbine support 106, as shownin FIG. 1A, includes a base 120 and the support shaft 118. The base 120may rest under the bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104. The base 120typically acts as a support between a surface 124, such as the ground orbed rock, and the turbine rotor 104. The base 120 may include a platform122 adjacent the turbine rotor 104 and a bottom member 123 adjacent thesurface 124. The base 120 may be any suitable shape so long as the baseis capable of supporting the weight of the turbine rotor 104.

The surface 124, as shown in FIG. 1A, is the ground; however, it shouldbe appreciated that the surface 124 may be any suitable surface forsupporting the base 120 including, but not limited to, a trailer, aboat, a rail car as illustrated in FIG. 3, a top of a building, a top ofa parking garage, a top of a stadium, and the like.

The platform 122 typically provides the support for the wright of theturbine rotor 104. The platform 122 may include one or more magnets 110Bwhich provide an opposing force against the one or more magnets 110Alocated on the bottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104, as will be describedin more detail below. The base 120 and/or the platform 122 may extendthe same radial distance from the axis 102 as the turbine rotor 104.Alternatively, the base 120 may extend a shorter radial distance fromthe axis 102 than the turbine rotor 104, or, in another alternativeembodiment, may extend a longer radial distance from the axis 102 thanthe turbine rotor 104. It should be appreciated that the platform 122may be any suitable shape capable of providing a vertical supportsurface for the turbine rotor 104.

The support shaft 118 of the turbine support 106 may provide forstabilization of the turbine rotor 104. The support shaft 118, as shownin FIGS. 1A and 1B is located radially inside the central axis 113 ofthe turbine rotor 104. FIG. 1A shows the support shaft 118 as asubstantially solid shaft which is slightly smaller than the interior ofthe central axis 113 of the turbine rotor 104. Alternatively, as shownin FIG. 2, the support shaft 118 may define an opening that allows foran interior access way 202. The support shaft 118 allows the turbinerotor 104 to rotate in response to the wind while preventing the turbinerotor 104 from moving substantially in the direction perpendicular tothe core axis 102. The support shaft 118 may include one or more magnets110C which provide an opposing force against one or more magnets 110Dlocated on the central axis 113 of the turbine rotor 104. The magnet110C located on the support shaft 118 may act to stabilize the turbinerotor as will be discussed in more detail below.

The wind turbine 100 may include a connector 126, shown schematically inFIGS. 1A and 3. The connector 126 may secure the turbine rotor 104 tothe turbine support 106 while allowing the turbine rotor 104 to rotate.FIG. 1A shows the connector 126 as a pin type connection which issecured to the support shaft 118 and penetrates an opening in the top114 of the turbine rotor 104. A head of the pin may rest on the top 114of the turbine rotor 104. The opening may be large enough to not engagethe pin as the turbine rotor 104 rotates about the turbine support 106.The head may simply provide an upward travel limit for the turbine rotor104. Thus, typically the turbine rotor 104 may not engage the connector126; however, in the event that the turbine rotor 104 lifts off of theturbine support 106, the head will stop it from becoming detached fromthe wind turbine 100. It should be appreciated that any suitablearrangement for securing the turbine rotor 104 to the turbine support106 may be used.

The one or more sets of magnets 110C, 110D reduce friction between theturbine support 104 and the turbine rotor 106 by creating a spacebetween the turbine support 104 and the turbine rotor 106. The magnetsreplace the role of roller bearings in prior wind turbines. The one ormore magnets 110A, 110B positioned on the bottom 116 of the turbinerotor 104 and the platform 122 of the turbine support may include one ormore levitation magnets and one or more stabilization magnets. Thelevitation magnets supply an opposing force between the bottom 116 ofthe turbine rotor 104 and the platform 122. The opposing force createdby the levitation magnets may create a force on the turbine rotor 104substantially opposite to a gravitational force on the turbine rotor104. The levitation magnets can provide a large enough opposing force tolift the turbine rotor 104 off of the platform 122 thereby eliminatingfriction between the platform 122 and the turbine rotor 104.Specifically, a space may be created between the platform 122 and thebottom 116 of the turbine rotor 104 as a result of the opposing force.Alternatively, the opposing force created by the levitation magnets mayonly negate a portion of the gravitational force, so that the frictionforce between the platform 122 and the turbine rotor 104 is reduced.

The stabilization magnets 110D, 110C, as shown in FIG. 1A, are designedto provide an opposing force between the central axis 113 and thesupport shaft 118. The stabilization magnets may be located directly onthe interior of the central axis 113 and the exterior of the supportshaft 118. The stabilization magnets may maintain a space between theinner diameter of the central axis 113 and the outer diameter of thesupport shaft 118. Therefore, during rotation of the turbine rotor 104there may be no friction between the central axis 113 of the turbinerotor 104 and the support shaft 118. It should be appreciated that othermeans of reducing the friction between central axis 113 and the supportshaft 118 may be used including, but not limited to, a bearing.

Friction may be eliminated between the turbine rotor 104 and the turbinesupport 106 using both the levitation magnets and stabilization magnets.The one or more sets of magnets 110 may be any magnets suitable forcreating an opposing force including but not limited to a permanentmagnet, an electromagnet, permanent rare earth magnet, ferromagneticmaterials, permanent magnet materials, magnet wires and the like. Apermanent rare earth magnet may include samarium cobalt (SmCo) and/orneodymium (NdFEB). Further, the one or more magnets 110 may be arrangedin any suitable manner so long as they reduce the friction between theturbine rotor 104 and the turbine support 106. FIGS. 1A, 2, and 3 showthe one or more sets of magnets 110 as a series of permanent magnetsspaced apart from one another; however, it should be appreciated that anelectromagnet may be used in order to magnetize a portion of the turbinerotor 104 and the turbine support 106. Further, in an alternativeembodiment, a portion of the turbine rotor 104 and the turbine support106 may be magnetized to provide the opposing force. Thus in analternative embodiment, the entire platform 122 and/or base 120 may bemagnetized to provide an opposing force on the bottom 116 of the turbinerotor 104 which may also be magnetized.

The blades 108 may be any suitable blade capable of converting thekinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy. In one embodiment,the blades 108 are made from a thin metal material, however, it shouldbe appreciated that blades may be any suitable material including, butnot limited to, a poly-carbon, a fabric, a synthetic material.

The blades 108 may be fixed to the turbine rotor 104 in a staticposition. Alternatively, the blades 108 may be moveably attached to theturbine rotor 104. For example, a connection between the blades 108 andthe turbine rotor 104 may allow the angle of the blades 108 to adjust inrelation to the turbine rotor 104. The angle may adjust manually orautomatically in response to the wind conditions at the location.

The turbine rotor 104 provides mechanical energy for the one or moregenerators 112 as the turbine rotor 104 rotates about the axis 102. Inone embodiment, a generator gear 128 is moved by a portion of theturbine rotor 104 as the turbine rotor 104 rotates. As shown in FIG. 1A,an outer edge 130 of the gear 128 may be proximate an edge of theturbine rotor 104. In one embodiment, the gear 128 engages the turbinerotor 104 with a traditional gear and/or transmission device capable oftransferring rotation to the gear 128.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the gear 128 may be amagnetic gear. The magnetic gear is a gear that moves in response to amagnetic force between the turbine rotor 104 and the magnetic gear. Atleast one of the gear 128 and/or the proximate portion of the turbinerotor 104 may be magnetized. Thus, as the turbine rotor 104 rotatesproximate the gear 128 the magnetic force moves the gear 128 in responseto the turbine rotor 104 rotation. The magnetic gear allows the turbinerotor 104 to rotate the gear 128 without any friction between the twocomponents.

FIG. 3 shows the magnetic gear according to one embodiment. A rotor gearcomponent 300 may protrude from the outer surface of the turbine rotor104. The rotor gear component 300 may extend beyond the outer diameterof the turbine rotor 103 and rotate with the turbine rotor 104. Asshown, the rotor gear component 300 is a plate extending around an outerdiameter of the turbine rotor 104; however, it should be appreciatedthat any suitable configuration for the rotor gear component 300 may beused. The gear 128 may include one or more gear wheels 302 which extendfrom the gear to a location proximate the rotor gear component 300. Asshown in FIG. 3, there are two gear wheels 302 which are located aboveand below a portion of the rotor gear component 300. As the turbinerotor 104 rotates, the rotor gear component 300 rotates. A portion ofthe rotor gear component 300 may pass in between two portions of one ormore gear wheels 302. Any of the rotor gear component 300, and the oneor more gear wheels 302 may be magnetized. The type of magnet used toproduce the magnetic force for the magnetic gear may be any magnetdescribed herein. The magnetic force between the components of themagnetic gear move the gear 128, thereby generating electricity and/orpower in the generator 112.

The generators 112 may be located at various locations proximate theturbine rotor 104. FIG. 1B shows three generators 112 located around theperimeter of the turbine rotor 104. It should be appreciated that anysuitable number of generators 112 may be used around the perimeter ofthe turbine rotor 104. Further, the generator 112 may be located atother locations proximate the turbine rotor including, but not limitedto, proximate the shaft 102 of the turbine rotor, in line with the axis102 above and/or below the turbine rotor 104, and the like.

The generator 112 may be any suitable generator for convertingmechanical energy into power including, but not limited to, electricgenerators, motors, linear generators, and the like.

In one embodiment, one or more of the generators 112 is a linearsynchronous motor (LSM). The LSM motor may advance the turbine support120 and may double as a braking system.

The power generated by the generator may be fed directly to a powergrid. Further, it should be appreciated that the power may alternativelyor additionally be used on site or stored. The stored power may be usedat a later date when demand for the power is higher. Examples of powerstorage units include, but are not limited to, batteries and generatingstored compressed air, a flywheel system, a magnetically levitatedflywheel system, hydraulic accumulators, capacitors, super capacitors, acombination thereof, and the like.

The one or more magnets 110 reduce and potentially eliminate frictionbetween the turbine rotor 104 and the turbine support 106. This frictionreduction allows the scale of the wind turbine 100 to be much largerthan a conventional wind turbine. In a conventional wind turbine thelarger the wind turbine, the more friction is created between the movingparts. The amount of friction eventually limits the effective size of aconventional wind turbine. In one example, the wind turbine may have anouter diameter of 1000 ft. In a preferred embodiment, a fixed windturbine 200, as shown in FIG. 2, has an outer diameter of about 600 ft.and is capable of producing more than 1 GWh of power. A smaller portablewind turbine 304, shown in FIG. 3, may be adapted to transport to remotelocations. The portable version may have a diameter of greater than 15ft. and a height of greater than 15 ft. In a preferred embodiment, theportable version has an outer diameter of about 30 ft. and a height ofabout 25 ft. and is capable of producing 50 MWh of power. It should beappreciated that the size and scale of the wind turbine may varydepending on a customers need. Further, it should be appreciated thatmore than one wind turbine may be located on the same portabletransports system, and/or at one fixed location.

Although, the overall size of the wind turbine 100 may be much largerthan a traditional wind turbine, the amount of power one wind turbine100 produces is much larger than a traditional wind turbine. Therefore,the total land use required for the wind turbine 100 may be reduced overthat required for a traditional wind farm.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 shows the fixed wind turbine 200,according to one embodiment. The fixed wind turbine 200 may have aturbine support 106 which extends over the turbine rotor 104. The one ormore magnets 110 may be on an upper portion 201 of the turbine support106 in addition to the locations described above.

The fixed wind turbine 200 may include an interior access way 202,according to one embodiment. It should be appreciated that any of thewind turbines 100, 200 and 304 may include an interior access way 202.The interior access way 202 allows a person to access the interior ofthe turbine support 106. The interior access way 202 may extend aboveand/or below the turbine rotor 104 in order to give the person access tovarious locations in the fixed wind turbine 200. The interior access way202 may allow a person to perform maintenance on the magnets 110 andother components of the wind turbine 100, 200, and 304. Further, theinterior access way 202 may have a means for transporting persons up anddown the interior access way 202. The means for transporting persons maybe any suitable item including, but not limited to, an elevator, a cableelevator, a hydraulic elevator, a magnetic elevator, a stair, a spiralstaircase, an escalator, a ladder, a rope, a fireman pole, a spiralelevator, and the like. The spiral elevator is an elevator thattransports one or more persons up and down the interior access way 202in a spiral fashion around the interior of the interior access way 202.For example, the spiral elevator may travel in a similar path to aspiral staircase. The elevator and/or spiral elevator may use magneticlevitation to lift the elevator up and down.

The upper portion 201 of the turbine support 106 may include anobservation deck 204. The observation deck 204 may extend around theperimeter of the wind turbine 100, 200 and/or 304, thereby allowing aperson to view the surrounding area from the observation deck 204. Theobservation deck 204 may also serve as a location for an operator tocontrol various features of the wind turbine, as will be discussed inmore detail below.

The upper portion 201 of the turbine support 106 may further include ahelipad 206. The helipad 202 allows persons to fly to the wind turbine100, 200, and/or 304 and land a helicopter (not shown) directly on thewind turbine. This may be particularly useful in remote locations, orlocations with limited access including, but not limited to, the ocean,a lake, a industrial area, a tundra, a desert, and the like.

The upper portion 201 of the turbine support 106 may further have one ormore cranes 208. The cranes 208 allow an operator to lift heavyequipment. The crane 208 may be a tandem crane capable of rotatingaround the diameter of the wind turbine. The crane may assist in theconstruction of the wind turbine 100.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the wind turbine 100 in conjunction with oneor more wind compressors 400. The wind compressors 400 are each anobstruction configured to channel the wind toward the wind turbine 100.As illustrated in FIG. 5, a wind compressor 400 is positioned on eitherside of the wind turbine 500 so as to redirect the flow of wind towardsthe wind turbine 500. The wind compressor 400 funnels the wind 506 intothe wind turbine 500. The convergence of the winds towards the windturbine 500 creates a Venturi effect thereby increasing the speed andforce of the winds upon the wind turbine 500. This Venturi effect on thewind turbines increases the rpms or rotation speed of the rotors whichtranslates into increased electrical energy produced by the generators112 (FIG. 1A). This increase in wind energy and force upon the turbineblades 108 is thus translated from the wind turbine 500 to the generator112 resulting in an increased output of electricity. This invention 400increases the efficiency and ultimate output of the wind turbine 100,500 up to, beyond 1000-2000 megawatts (MGW) per hour or 1 gigawatt (GW)per hour. Known wind turbines produce between 2-4 MGW/hour.

The wind compressor 400 may be any suitable obstruction capable ofre-channeling the natural flow of wind towards the wind turbines 100,400. Suitable wind compressors include, but are not limited to, a sail,a railroad car, a trailer truck body, a structure, and the like.Structurally the obstructions comprise a shape and size to capture andredirect a body of wind towards the wind turbine. In one embodiment anobstruction such as a sail, which comprises a large area in twodimensions but is basically a flat object, must be anchored to avoiddisplacement by the force of the wind. Other obstructions, such as therail road car or trailer truck, should have enough weight to avoid winddisplacement.

Each of the wind compressors 400 may be moveably coupled to atransporter 403, or transport device to move the compressor 400 to alocation or position that captures the wind flow as the direction ofwind changes and directs the wind flow towards the wind turbine. Thetransporter may be any suitable transporter 403 capable of moving thewind compressor 400 including, but not limited to, a locomotive to movea rail car, an automobile, a truck, a trailer, a boat, a Sino trailer, aheavy duty self-propelled modular transporter 403 and the like. Each ofthe transporters 403 may include an engine or motor capable ofpropelling the transporter 403. The location of each of the windcompressors 400 may be adjusted to suit the prevailing wind pattern at aparticular location. Further, the location of the wind compressors 400may be automatically and/or manually changed to suit shifts in the winddirection. To that end, the transporter 403 may include a drive memberfor moving the transporter 403. The transporter 403 may be incommunication with a controller, for manipulating the location of eachof the transporters 403 in response to the wind direction. A separatecontroller may be located within each of the transporters 403.

One or more pathways 402, shown in FIG. 4, may guide transporters 403 asthey carry the wind compressors 400 to a new location around the windturbine 100. The one or more pathways 402 may be any suitable pathwayfor guiding the transporters including, but not limited to, a railroad,a monorail, a roadway, a waterway, and the like. As shown in FIG. 4, theone or more pathways 402 are a series of increasingly larger circleswhich extend around the entire wind turbine 100. It should beappreciated that any suitable configuration for the pathways 402 may beused. As described above, the size of the wind turbine 100 may begreatly increased due to the minimized friction between the turbinerotor 104 and the turbine support 106. Thus, the pathways 402 mayencompass a large area around the wind turbine 100. The wind compressors400 as a group may extend out any distance from the wind turbine 100,only limited by the land use in the area. Thus, a large area of wind maybe channeled directly toward the wind turbine 100 thereby increasing theamount of wind engaging the blades 108.

In one aspect of this invention, the controller may be a singlecontroller 404 capable of controlling each of the transporters 403 froman onsite or remote location. The controller(s) 404 may be in wired orwireless communication with the transporters 403. The controller(s) 404may initiate an actuator thereby controlling the engine, motor or drivemember of the transporter 403. The controller(s) may comprise a centralprocessing unit (CPU), support circuits and memory. The CPU may comprisea general processing computer, microprocessor, or digital signalprocessor of a type that is used for signal processing. The supportcircuits may comprise well known circuits such as cache, clock circuits,power supplies, input/output circuits, and the like. The memory maycomprise read only memory, random access memory, disk drive memory,removable storage and other forms of digital memory in variouscombinations. The memory stores control software and signal processingsoftware. The control software is generally used to provide control ofthe systems of the wind turbine including the location of thetransporters 403, the blade direction, the amount of power being storedversus sent to the power grid, and the like. The processor may becapable of calculating the optimal location of each of the windcompressors based on data from the sensors.

One or more sensors 310, shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, may be located on thewind turbines 100, 200, 304 and/or 500 and/or in the area surroundingthe wind turbines. The sensors 310 may detect the current wind directionand/or strength and send the information to a controller 312. Thesensors 310 may also detect the speed of rotation of the turbine rotor104. The controller 312 may receive information regarding any of thecomponents and/or sensors associated with the wind turbines. Thecontroller 312 may then send instructions to various components of thewind turbines, the wind compressors and/or the generators in order tooptimize the efficiency of the wind turbines. The controller 312 may belocated inside the base of the tower, at the concrete foundation, aremote location, or in the control room at the top of the tower.

It should be appreciated that the wind compressors may be used inconjunction with any number and type of wind turbine, or wind farms. Forexample, the wind compressors 400 may be used with one or morehorizontal wind turbines, traditional vertical wind turbines, the windturbines described herein and any combination thereof.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of two wind compressors 400 used inconjunction with multiple wind turbines 500. The wind compressors 400are located on two sides of the wind turbines 500. The wind turbines 500represent any wind turbine described herein. The wind compressors 400engage wind 504 which would typically pass and not affect the windturbines 500. The wind 504 engages the wind compressors 400 and isredirected as a directed wind 506. The directed wind 506 leaves the windcompressor 400 at a location that optimally affects at least one or thewind turbines 500. The wind compressors 400 may shield a portion of thewind turbines 500 from an engaging wind 508 in order to increase theaffect of the wind on the wind turbines 500. The engaging wind 508 isthe wind that would directly engage the wind turbines 500. For example,the wind compressors 400 shown in FIG. 5 shield a portion 509 of avertical wind turbine which would be moving in the opposite direction tothe wind 504. The redirected wind 506 and the engaging wind 506 thenengage an upstream side 510 of each of the wind turbines 500. Thisarrangement may greatly increase the effectiveness of the wind turbines500.

Although the wind compressors 400 are shown on each side of the windturbines 500, it should be appreciated that any arrangement thatincreases the productivity of the wind turbine 500 may be used.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the wind compressor 400 according to oneembodiment. The transporter supporting the wind compressor is shown as atrailer 600. The trailer supports a rigging 602. The rigging 602supports a sail 604. FIG. 7 shows a side view of the wind compressor400, according to one embodiment. The sail 604 is full blown and shownin a mode of the wind engaging the sail 604.

The rigging 602, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes multiple polesextending in a substantially vertical direction from the transporter.The multiple poles are configured to couple to the sail 604. The polesmay couple to the sail 604 proximate two sides of the sail 604. In oneembodiment, two poles may be spaced apart from one another in order toallow the sail to extend a large distance between the poles. As shown,the poles vary in height; however, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement of the poles may be used. Further, the rigging may be anysuitable structure capable of supporting the sail 604.

The sail 604 is any suitable surface intended to deflect wind. As shown,the sail is a flexible material held by the rigging. The flexiblematerial may be any flexible material including, but not limited to, acanvass, a cloth, a polycarbon, a metal, a glued and molded sail, amylar, and the like. Further, the sail may be a solid non-flexiblematerial which deflects wind that engages the sail. The non-flexiblematerial may not require the rigging.

Preferred methods and apparatus for practicing the present inventionhave been described. It will be understood and readily apparent to theskilled artisan that many changes and modifications may be made to theabove-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and thescope of the present invention. The foregoing is illustrative only andthat other embodiments of the integrated processes and apparatus may beemployed without departing from the true scope of the invention definedin the following claims.

1. A method for increasing the force of wind acting on a wind turbine,comprising: locating at least one wind compressor proximate a first sideof a wind turbine, said at least one wind compressor comprising anobstruction configured to redirect a wind flow from each of said atleast one wind compressor towards the wind turbine; arranging said atleast one wind compressors proximate the wind turbine in a configurationthat redirects and converges said wind flow toward the wind turbine atan increased velocity and force.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein said at least one wind compressor is further located proximate asecond side of the wind turbine, the second side distal from the firstside.
 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: measuringthe prevailing wind pattern with a sensor.
 4. The method according toclaim 3, further comprising: calculating an optimum location for each ofthe wind compressors based on the prevailing wind pattern.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 4, further comprising: automatically moving each ofthe wind compressors to the optimum location.
 6. The method according toclaim 5, further comprising: automatically moving at least one of thewind compressors to a second optimum location in response to a change inwind direction.
 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:providing one or more pathways proximate the wind turbine.
 8. The methodaccording to of claim 7, further comprising: directing at least one ofthe wind compressors along the pathway while moving the windcompressors.
 9. A wind directing system, comprising: at least one windturbine; at least one wind compressor proximate a first side of said atleast one wind turbine; each of said at least one wind compressorcomprising an obstruction, the obstruction configured to redirect a windflow from each of the wind compressors towards the wind turbine so thatthe redirected and converged wind flows comprise an increased velocityand force; and at least one transporter, at least one of said windcompressors coupled to at least one transporter, wherein each of thetransporters are configured to move at least one wind compressors to alocation that maximizes the force of the wind encountered by the windcompressor and directed by the wind compressor to the wind turbine. 10.The wind directing system according to claim 9, wherein said at leastone wind compressor is further proximate a second side of said at leastone wind turbine, the second side distal from the first side.
 11. Thewind directing system according to claim 9, further comprising: apathway for at least one of the transporters.
 12. The wind directingsystem according to claim 11, wherein the pathway further comprises arailroad track.
 13. The wind directing system according to claim 9,wherein said at least one transporter further comprises a railroadlocomotive.
 14. The wind directing system according to claim 9, furthercomprising: a controller, the controller configured to automaticallycontrol the movement of a transporter and one or more of the windcompressors to a location based on the direction of the wind.
 15. Thewind directing system according to claim 14, further comprising: atleast one actuator controlled by the controller, wherein each of said atleast one actuator is configured to initiate movement of one of thetransporters.
 16. The wind directing system according to claim 15,further comprising: an engine attached to each of the transporters,wherein said engine is controlled by said controller and said at leastone actuator.
 17. The wind directing system according to claim 14,further comprising: a processor located in the controller, wherein theprocessor is configured to automatically calculate an optimum locationto capture ambient wind.
 18. The wind directing system according toclaim 9, further comprising: at least one sensor, each said sensorcomprising the capability to detect the direction of the wind.
 19. Thewind directing system according to claim 9, wherein at least onetransporter has an independent power source for moving said at least onewind compressor coupled thereto to said another location.